PARIS (Reuters) – French cinema held its version of the Oscars on Friday in a ceremony where self-congratulation after a year of box office and critical triumphs was dosed by claims that the biggest hit of all was snubbed.
The annual Cesars awards provide the local industry with one of its annual highlights, with a glitzy if rarely glitch-free night often mocked in France for its mix of gushing tributes and onstage gaffes by stars and presenters.
This year, French cinema had an unusually successful period to look back on, with an Oscar for actress Marion Cotillard, the first French film winner at Cannes in more than 20 years, and the biggest box office success in the industry's history.
But controversy is rarely far away and this year was no exception with claims that the Cesars ignored the popular comedy "Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis" (Welcome to the Sticks).
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
U2 album a hit, Bono campaigning a miss: critics
LONDON (Reuters) – Irish band U2 releases its 12th studio album on Monday, and while reviews are generally glowing, critics argue that lead singer Bono's dual role as rock star and campaigning "saviour" may be meddling with the music.
"No Line On The Horizon" hits the shelves in Europe on Monday and in the United States on Tuesday, and, as one of 2009's biggest record launches will be closely watched by a business seeking to reverse deep declines in album sales.
No one believes U2 alone can save the music industry, just as no one believes Bono alone can alleviate global poverty, but there is plenty riding on the group's first album in over four years being released by Vivendi's Universal Music Group label.
An early contender for biggest record of the year before it even goes on sale, No Line has been described as the band's most experimental album since 1991, and possibly its best since then.
"No Line On The Horizon" hits the shelves in Europe on Monday and in the United States on Tuesday, and, as one of 2009's biggest record launches will be closely watched by a business seeking to reverse deep declines in album sales.
No one believes U2 alone can save the music industry, just as no one believes Bono alone can alleviate global poverty, but there is plenty riding on the group's first album in over four years being released by Vivendi's Universal Music Group label.
An early contender for biggest record of the year before it even goes on sale, No Line has been described as the band's most experimental album since 1991, and possibly its best since then.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Fan survives life with Rolling Stones
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Many music fans dream about meeting their heroes. Rolling Stones fanzine writer Bill German accomplished that feat when he was 17, and became part of the band's inner circle during the 1980s, deftly negotiating the Byzantine layers of political bureaucracy that cushion the British rock icons.
Now 46, the New York native offers a rare inside look at the band's drug-fueled machinations in "Under Their Thumb -- How a Nice Boy from Brooklyn Got Mixed Up with The Rolling Stones (and Lived to tell About It)."
German examines a strange period in the Stones' history, including a bitter feud between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and the band's transformation into a corporate touring machine.
"Some people wind up leaving the Stones circle in caskets or handcuffs because they think that they can keep up with them on a nightly basis," he told Reuters in a recent interview.
German walked away from the band, but not before his physical and mental health suffered to the point where he seriously considered committing suicide at a show.
Now 46, the New York native offers a rare inside look at the band's drug-fueled machinations in "Under Their Thumb -- How a Nice Boy from Brooklyn Got Mixed Up with The Rolling Stones (and Lived to tell About It)."
German examines a strange period in the Stones' history, including a bitter feud between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and the band's transformation into a corporate touring machine.
"Some people wind up leaving the Stones circle in caskets or handcuffs because they think that they can keep up with them on a nightly basis," he told Reuters in a recent interview.
German walked away from the band, but not before his physical and mental health suffered to the point where he seriously considered committing suicide at a show.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
"Slumdog" child actors to get new homes in India
MUMBAI (Reuters) – The two main child actors from "Slumdog Millionaire" are to receive new homes from the Indian authorities after the small-budget movie swept the Oscars, winning eight Academy Awards.
The Mumbai homes will go to Rubina Ali and Azharuddin Ismail, who played the younger versions of the movie's central characters, Latika and Salim, in the rags-to-riches romance about a poor Indian boy competing for love and money on a TV game show.
"These two children have brought laurels to the country, and we have been told that they live in slums, which cannot even be classified as housing," said Gautam Chatterjee, head of the state-run Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority.
The movie, set in Mumbai, which is part of Maharashtra state, took home eight awards from the Oscars including best picture and best director for Britain's Danny Boyle.
The Mumbai homes will go to Rubina Ali and Azharuddin Ismail, who played the younger versions of the movie's central characters, Latika and Salim, in the rags-to-riches romance about a poor Indian boy competing for love and money on a TV game show.
"These two children have brought laurels to the country, and we have been told that they live in slums, which cannot even be classified as housing," said Gautam Chatterjee, head of the state-run Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority.
The movie, set in Mumbai, which is part of Maharashtra state, took home eight awards from the Oscars including best picture and best director for Britain's Danny Boyle.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Kate Winslet wins best actress Oscar for "The Reader"
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Kate Winslet won her first Oscar on Sunday for her portrayal of a German woman with a secret Nazi past in the romantic drama "The Reader."
"Titanic" star Winslet, 33, was Oscar-nominated five times in the past 13 years but had always returned home empty-handed.
Her best actress Oscar joins two Golden Globes, a Screen Actors Guild award, a British BAFTA and a handful of U.S. critics awards that Winslet has won this season.
"To the academy, thank you so much," she said. Winslet gave credit to her fellow best actress nominees -- Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie and Melissa Leo -- calling them "goddesses."
"I think we all can't believe we are in the category with Meryl Streep at all," Winslet said.
"Titanic" star Winslet, 33, was Oscar-nominated five times in the past 13 years but had always returned home empty-handed.
Her best actress Oscar joins two Golden Globes, a Screen Actors Guild award, a British BAFTA and a handful of U.S. critics awards that Winslet has won this season.
"To the academy, thank you so much," she said. Winslet gave credit to her fellow best actress nominees -- Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie and Melissa Leo -- calling them "goddesses."
"I think we all can't believe we are in the category with Meryl Streep at all," Winslet said.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Eddie Money preps for bow of musical "Paradise"
DETROIT (Billboard) – Rocker Eddie Money says his autobiographical stage musical, "Two Tickets to Paradise," was "a lot more fun when it was a hobby. Now it's a job."
That's because opening day looms for the production. Tracing Money's life from his decision to leave the New York police force and head to California in search of rock 'n' roll stardom, the show is built around hits from Money's 15 albums, as well as six new pieces he wrote for what director/playwright John Blenn calls bridges between scenes.
"Paraidise" is set for a premiere run June 4-14 at the Dix Hills Performing Arts Center at Five Towns College on Long Island, New York.
"It's a really cool thing," Money told Billboard.com. "We've been auditioning dancers (and) actors, building sets. It's starting to get there. The whole thing is overwhelming. Every time I get insecure, which is often, I look over at John Blenn and he tells me it'll all work out."
That's because opening day looms for the production. Tracing Money's life from his decision to leave the New York police force and head to California in search of rock 'n' roll stardom, the show is built around hits from Money's 15 albums, as well as six new pieces he wrote for what director/playwright John Blenn calls bridges between scenes.
"Paraidise" is set for a premiere run June 4-14 at the Dix Hills Performing Arts Center at Five Towns College on Long Island, New York.
"It's a really cool thing," Money told Billboard.com. "We've been auditioning dancers (and) actors, building sets. It's starting to get there. The whole thing is overwhelming. Every time I get insecure, which is often, I look over at John Blenn and he tells me it'll all work out."
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Russia anti-trust body rejects Disney channel
MOSCOW/LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Russia's anti-monopoly agency on Friday blocked Walt Disney's local venture, derailing the media giant's plan to create a free-to-air channel for Russian families, local media reported.
In a statement, the anti-trust body said it rejected the venture after it was given false information by the parties applying to create Mo-Tv Holdings Ltd, which Russia's Interfax news agency identified as the Disney project, citing sources close to the deal.
A Disney corporate representative could not be reached immediately for comment.
The ruling is a setback to Disney's aggressive efforts since Chief Executive Robert Iger took over in 2005 to move into the Russian and Eastern European markets, which had been expected to buck the global economic downturn and offset slower growth in the company's more established markets.
Disney had been counting on the free-to-air television channel to raise brand awareness and support the local retail, theatrical distribution, licensing, mobile and Internet businesses it already operates in Russia -- a strategy it has employed successfully in China and India.
In a statement, the anti-trust body said it rejected the venture after it was given false information by the parties applying to create Mo-Tv Holdings Ltd, which Russia's Interfax news agency identified as the Disney project, citing sources close to the deal.
A Disney corporate representative could not be reached immediately for comment.
The ruling is a setback to Disney's aggressive efforts since Chief Executive Robert Iger took over in 2005 to move into the Russian and Eastern European markets, which had been expected to buck the global economic downturn and offset slower growth in the company's more established markets.
Disney had been counting on the free-to-air television channel to raise brand awareness and support the local retail, theatrical distribution, licensing, mobile and Internet businesses it already operates in Russia -- a strategy it has employed successfully in China and India.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Legal battle erupts over film rights to Tupac's bio
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Film production company Morgan Creek is in a legal turf war with the estate of Tupac Shakur.
The Rick Nicita-topped production house has sued Amaru Entertainment, the company run by Afeni Shakur, the late rapper's mother and executor, alleging in a Los Angeles Superior Court filing that the company has backed out of an agreement to sell his life rights for a film adaptation.
Negotiations between Morgan Creek and Amaru began in November for life rights that would form the basis of the untitled project.
Life rights and collaboration with an executor are not always necessary with a public figure like Shakur, though they would be essential if the filmmakers hope to include music, as they would in this case.
The Rick Nicita-topped production house has sued Amaru Entertainment, the company run by Afeni Shakur, the late rapper's mother and executor, alleging in a Los Angeles Superior Court filing that the company has backed out of an agreement to sell his life rights for a film adaptation.
Negotiations between Morgan Creek and Amaru began in November for life rights that would form the basis of the untitled project.
Life rights and collaboration with an executor are not always necessary with a public figure like Shakur, though they would be essential if the filmmakers hope to include music, as they would in this case.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Oscar for Ledger would go to daughter Matilda
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Matilda Ledger, the three-year-old daughter of late Australian actor Heath Ledger, will be the eventual owner of an Oscar if he wins a statuette Sunday, but his family will accept the award on his behalf.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said on Wednesday it has decided if Ledger wins a rare posthumous Oscar for his performance as the villainous Joker in "The Dark Knight," Matilda would receive the Oscar after she turns 18.
Ledger, 28, who died last year of a prescription drug overdose, is widely expected to win the best supporting actor Oscar at the February 22 Academy Awards in Hollywood after picking up virtually every other award in that category this season.
He would be only the second actor to receive an Oscar after death, following Peter Finch who won in 1976 for "Network," and his family will be on hand if he does win, traveling from the actor's home town of Perth in Western Australia for the ceremony.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said on Wednesday it has decided if Ledger wins a rare posthumous Oscar for his performance as the villainous Joker in "The Dark Knight," Matilda would receive the Oscar after she turns 18.
Ledger, 28, who died last year of a prescription drug overdose, is widely expected to win the best supporting actor Oscar at the February 22 Academy Awards in Hollywood after picking up virtually every other award in that category this season.
He would be only the second actor to receive an Oscar after death, following Peter Finch who won in 1976 for "Network," and his family will be on hand if he does win, traveling from the actor's home town of Perth in Western Australia for the ceremony.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Barbara Walters, Steve Kroft bearish on TV news
NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) – A lot has changed in the "big get" TV interview business since ABC's Barbara Walters and "60 Minutes" correspondent Steve Kroft began.
While the personal approach used to work back in the day, both TV journalists said Tuesday that there are now plenty of handlers between interviewer and interviewee.
"Even murderers have agents and lawyers," Walters told the New Yorker's Ken Auletta during a panel attended by the likes of former New York Mayor Ed Koch, Sony chairman Howard Stringer and others of Manhattan's media elite.
Everyone is now press-savvy, Walters said. Interview subjects now ask how many minutes they'll get on air and other questions that used to be left unsaid. And, as Kroft mentioned, most people want to get on the air only to serve their purposes, like pushing a book or some other profit-making enterprise.
While the personal approach used to work back in the day, both TV journalists said Tuesday that there are now plenty of handlers between interviewer and interviewee.
"Even murderers have agents and lawyers," Walters told the New Yorker's Ken Auletta during a panel attended by the likes of former New York Mayor Ed Koch, Sony chairman Howard Stringer and others of Manhattan's media elite.
Everyone is now press-savvy, Walters said. Interview subjects now ask how many minutes they'll get on air and other questions that used to be left unsaid. And, as Kroft mentioned, most people want to get on the air only to serve their purposes, like pushing a book or some other profit-making enterprise.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The day the economy stood still
The top headline on the online edition of this newspaper for most of Monday was, “December manufacturing sales plummet.” Just a wee bit down the page was this: “Japan's economy shrinks at fastest rate in 35 years.”
How the hell did we get here?
The thing is, looking at what has happened in the past 12 months is like reading an experimental novel. You can pick your own narrative to follow. You can pick a character to follow and ignore others. You can decide what day or what event was most significant.
Me, I'm picking Sept. 17, 2008. Now, it's perfectly possible that you don't remember much about what you were doing on Wednesday, Sept. 17, of last year. As it happens, I remember the day well. I worked and then celebrated my birthday.
How the hell did we get here?
The thing is, looking at what has happened in the past 12 months is like reading an experimental novel. You can pick your own narrative to follow. You can pick a character to follow and ignore others. You can decide what day or what event was most significant.
Me, I'm picking Sept. 17, 2008. Now, it's perfectly possible that you don't remember much about what you were doing on Wednesday, Sept. 17, of last year. As it happens, I remember the day well. I worked and then celebrated my birthday.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Japan economy shrinks at fastest pace in 35 years
TOKYO - Japan's economy contracted in the fourth quarter at the fastest pace in 35 years as a collapse in global demand continues to drain the life from the world's second-largest economy.
Japan's gross domestic product, or the total value of the nation's goods and services, dropped at an annual pace of 12.7 per cent in the October-December period, the government said Monday.
That's the steepest drop for Japan since the oil shock of 1974. It far outpaces declines of 3.8 per cent in the U.S. and 1.2 per cent in the euro zone.
The contraction underscores the vulnerability of Asia's export-driven economies during global downturns and point toward more cuts in jobs, production and profits in the coming months.
A survey of economists by the Kyodo news agency had projected an 11.6 per cent fourth-quarter contraction.
Japan's gross domestic product, or the total value of the nation's goods and services, dropped at an annual pace of 12.7 per cent in the October-December period, the government said Monday.
That's the steepest drop for Japan since the oil shock of 1974. It far outpaces declines of 3.8 per cent in the U.S. and 1.2 per cent in the euro zone.
The contraction underscores the vulnerability of Asia's export-driven economies during global downturns and point toward more cuts in jobs, production and profits in the coming months.
A survey of economists by the Kyodo news agency had projected an 11.6 per cent fourth-quarter contraction.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
John Hurt back as Quentin Crisp in new film
BERLIN (Hollywood Reporter) – When John Hurt portrayed Quentin Crisp in the movie "The Naked Civil Servant" 33 years ago, it gave Crisp the stardom he'd always craved. Now Hurt is back in the same role in "An Englishman In New York," which shows what happened when Crisp landed as a gay icon in Manhattan.
The film will air on British TV this year, but it will make the rounds of international festivals and probably show up on a U.S. cable channel. It deserves to be seen for another of Hurt's exquisitely observed performances in which he furthers his claim to be the straight actor who has played the highest number of gay roles.
Written by Brian Fillis and directed by Richard Laxton, the film shows Crisp in his 70s when, having survived life as a gay man in the days when homosexuality was illegal, he flees England for New York where his eccentric flamboyance is welcomed and celebrated.
Feeling right at home, he wins a green card after convincing immigration officials that he is truly one of a kind and is picked up by a savvy agent played by Swoosie Kurtz. He launches a career as a raconteur in an off-Broadway one-man show and becomes a movie reviewer for a Christopher Street magazine run by Philip Steele (Denis O'Hare).
The film will air on British TV this year, but it will make the rounds of international festivals and probably show up on a U.S. cable channel. It deserves to be seen for another of Hurt's exquisitely observed performances in which he furthers his claim to be the straight actor who has played the highest number of gay roles.
Written by Brian Fillis and directed by Richard Laxton, the film shows Crisp in his 70s when, having survived life as a gay man in the days when homosexuality was illegal, he flees England for New York where his eccentric flamboyance is welcomed and celebrated.
Feeling right at home, he wins a green card after convincing immigration officials that he is truly one of a kind and is picked up by a savvy agent played by Swoosie Kurtz. He launches a career as a raconteur in an off-Broadway one-man show and becomes a movie reviewer for a Christopher Street magazine run by Philip Steele (Denis O'Hare).
Friday, February 13, 2009
Zellweger plays woman desperately seeking husband
BERLIN (Reuters) – Renee Zellweger courts a bankrupt businessman, a cruel colonel and a deranged "serial matrimonialist" in a touching new comedy loosely based on the 1950s childhood of Hollywood actor George Hamilton.
Zellweger's character Ann Devereaux leaves her husband when she finds him in bed with another woman and takes her two sons on a road trip across America to find a suitable replacement.
Although Hamilton's experience as a 15-year-old was the starting point, much of the narrative of "My One And Only," during which the flamboyant but flawed mother buys a Cadillac and drives from city to city, is fictional.
At one point, Devereaux approaches a potential suitor at a hotel bar who turns out to be an undercover detective and is promptly arrested for soliciting.
Zellweger's character Ann Devereaux leaves her husband when she finds him in bed with another woman and takes her two sons on a road trip across America to find a suitable replacement.
Although Hamilton's experience as a 15-year-old was the starting point, much of the narrative of "My One And Only," during which the flamboyant but flawed mother buys a Cadillac and drives from city to city, is fictional.
At one point, Devereaux approaches a potential suitor at a hotel bar who turns out to be an undercover detective and is promptly arrested for soliciting.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Howard Stern says satellite radio will survive
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Shock jock Howard Stern dismissed the financial troubles plaguing Sirius XM Radio Inc as "growing pains" and said he believes satellite radio will be a successful business.
Even as Sirius shares plunged to a historical low of 5.2 cents on Wednesday following media reports that the company is preparing for a possible bankruptcy filing, Stern -- whose team is paid $100 million a year by Sirius -- was unfazed.
"Everybody's wondering about this whole bankruptcy thing with Sirius," the self-proclaimed King of All Media said on his satellite radio program.
"I'm not concerned. I think satellite radio is great and will be a successful business and it will survive," he said.
Even as Sirius shares plunged to a historical low of 5.2 cents on Wednesday following media reports that the company is preparing for a possible bankruptcy filing, Stern -- whose team is paid $100 million a year by Sirius -- was unfazed.
"Everybody's wondering about this whole bankruptcy thing with Sirius," the self-proclaimed King of All Media said on his satellite radio program.
"I'm not concerned. I think satellite radio is great and will be a successful business and it will survive," he said.
Sirius XM in talks with DirecTV, Liberty: reports
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Sirius XM Radio Inc's Chief Executive Mel Karmazin has approached DirecTV Group Inc and Liberty Media in an effort to fend off bankruptcy as well as a bid by EchoStar Corp's Charlie Ergen, media reports said on Wednesday.
The reports come as Sirius XM faces heavy debt payments ahead, and amid widespread views that a deal with Ergen is the most likely and preferable scenario for the satellite radio provider to avoid bankruptcy.
The New York Times reported that Sirius was in preliminary talks with media mogul John Malone's Liberty Media, while the New York Post said Karmazin asked DirecTV to buy it. Liberty Media controls DirecTV.
The Times, quoting people briefed on the negotiations, said it was not clear how advanced the talks between Sirius XM and Liberty were.
The reports come as Sirius XM faces heavy debt payments ahead, and amid widespread views that a deal with Ergen is the most likely and preferable scenario for the satellite radio provider to avoid bankruptcy.
The New York Times reported that Sirius was in preliminary talks with media mogul John Malone's Liberty Media, while the New York Post said Karmazin asked DirecTV to buy it. Liberty Media controls DirecTV.
The Times, quoting people briefed on the negotiations, said it was not clear how advanced the talks between Sirius XM and Liberty were.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
German court sides with heir in art-poster ownership battle
A Berlin court has sided with a German-born American man attempting to recover his father's rare art poster collection seized during the Nazi regime.
The Berlin administrative court ruled Tuesday that Peter Sachs, 71, is the rightful owner of a poster for satirical German weekly magazine Simplicissimus and that the museum now holding the work must return it to him.
The court ruled that Sachs's father had never given up ownership of the original collection, which had included 12,500 prints when Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels ordered the entire lot seized in 1938.
The ruling could set the stage for Sachs to recover about 4,000 surviving posters from his father's collection, now held at the German Historical Museum.
Sachs, a retired pilot who now lives in Florida, has been fighting to recover his father's collection since 2005.
The Berlin administrative court ruled Tuesday that Peter Sachs, 71, is the rightful owner of a poster for satirical German weekly magazine Simplicissimus and that the museum now holding the work must return it to him.
The court ruled that Sachs's father had never given up ownership of the original collection, which had included 12,500 prints when Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels ordered the entire lot seized in 1938.
The ruling could set the stage for Sachs to recover about 4,000 surviving posters from his father's collection, now held at the German Historical Museum.
Sachs, a retired pilot who now lives in Florida, has been fighting to recover his father's collection since 2005.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Man dies in roof collapse at Manitoba farm
A man died and three others were injured Monday when the snow-laden roof of a farm shed collapsed in Portage la Prairie in southern Manitoba, the RCMP said.
About 10 to 15 people were working in the shed, which houses vegetables, when a 24-metre section of the roof caved at about 3 p.m. CT.
Four people were unable to escape in time and were trapped by rubble. One managed to free himself, and firefighters were able to pull two of the others out alive.
The fourth person was recovered but pronounced dead at the scene.
The three survivors were sent to hospital, where two of them were treated and released. The third remains in hospital but is said to be in stable condition.
About 10 to 15 people were working in the shed, which houses vegetables, when a 24-metre section of the roof caved at about 3 p.m. CT.
Four people were unable to escape in time and were trapped by rubble. One managed to free himself, and firefighters were able to pull two of the others out alive.
The fourth person was recovered but pronounced dead at the scene.
The three survivors were sent to hospital, where two of them were treated and released. The third remains in hospital but is said to be in stable condition.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Plant, Krauss win 4 Grammys; Brown in custody
LOS ANGELES – Robert Plant and Alison Krauss' unorthodox partnership yielded rich rewards on Grammy night, as the pair nabbed five Grammys for their haunting CD "Raising Sand," including record and album of the year honors.
But their Grammy sweep was overshadowed by the shocking arrest of another nominee as the broadcast was taking place — teen heartthrob Chris Brown, who was in police custody for an alleged felony assault on an unidentified woman the night before. Police records showed he was being held on $50,000 bail.
Brown and longtime girlfriend Rihanna, also nominated, were both slated to perform in different slots of the show, but separately dropped out at the last minute. The victim of Brown's alleged assault wasn't identified, and it wasn't immediately clear whether Rihanna's absence was related to Brown's.
But their Grammy sweep was overshadowed by the shocking arrest of another nominee as the broadcast was taking place — teen heartthrob Chris Brown, who was in police custody for an alleged felony assault on an unidentified woman the night before. Police records showed he was being held on $50,000 bail.
Brown and longtime girlfriend Rihanna, also nominated, were both slated to perform in different slots of the show, but separately dropped out at the last minute. The victim of Brown's alleged assault wasn't identified, and it wasn't immediately clear whether Rihanna's absence was related to Brown's.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Grammy weekend kicks off with Neil Diamond tribute
LOS ANGELES – Jennifer Hudson's stirring vocals on "Holly Holy" and Coldplay's stripped-down version of "I'm A Believer" helped take Neil Diamond on a musical journey of his career.
They joined Foo Fighters, Tim McGraw and many others in launching Grammy weekend with performances honoring the 68-year-old Diamond as MusiCares Person of the Year.
The music industry charity celebrated Diamond for his philanthropy, which included donating concert merchandise sales last fall to relief efforts for Texas areas ravaged by Hurricane Ike.
Surrounded by his children and grandchildren, Diamond listened as more than 50 years of what he called "my little musical creations" were interpreted for 2,200 people at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
They joined Foo Fighters, Tim McGraw and many others in launching Grammy weekend with performances honoring the 68-year-old Diamond as MusiCares Person of the Year.
The music industry charity celebrated Diamond for his philanthropy, which included donating concert merchandise sales last fall to relief efforts for Texas areas ravaged by Hurricane Ike.
Surrounded by his children and grandchildren, Diamond listened as more than 50 years of what he called "my little musical creations" were interpreted for 2,200 people at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Oscar producers promise a new take on the big show
CULVER CITY, Calif. – Bill Condon and Laurence Mark breeze into their offices at Sony Studios for a quick break during another marathon workday. The writer-director and producer, who worked together on 2006's "Dreamgirls," are joining forces again — this time to put on the 81st annual Academy Awards.
It's the first time Condon, 53, and Mark, 59, have produced an Oscar telecast, and throughout the process, they've been making their own rules. They chose entertainer Hugh Jackman to host, rather than the usual standup comedian, and have kept nearly every element of the production — including presenters and performers — secret.
Not even members of the academy staff know who'll take the stage on the night of Feb. 22.
The maverick producers took a few minutes to share their thoughts with The Associated Press about how they're preparing for Hollywood's biggest night.
It's the first time Condon, 53, and Mark, 59, have produced an Oscar telecast, and throughout the process, they've been making their own rules. They chose entertainer Hugh Jackman to host, rather than the usual standup comedian, and have kept nearly every element of the production — including presenters and performers — secret.
Not even members of the academy staff know who'll take the stage on the night of Feb. 22.
The maverick producers took a few minutes to share their thoughts with The Associated Press about how they're preparing for Hollywood's biggest night.
NYC civil assault trial opens for actor Pastore
NEW YORK – Actor Vincent Pastore, who played a gregarious gangster on "The Sopranos," testified Friday that he wept when he realized his former fiancee, who is accusing him of assault, did not love him.
Lisa Regina, 47, is suing Pastore in a $5.5 million civil lawsuit alleging that he hit her during a dispute in April 2005.
Pastore, 62, pleaded guilty in 2005 to attempted assault on Regina. He was sentenced to 70 hours of community service.
Pastore told a state Supreme Court jury that the couple began yelling and cursing at each other when she tried to call a former boyfriend during a drive to New Jersey.
He said Friday that as they argued, he returned to a corner near Regina's apartment and ordered her out of his car, but she refused to go.
Lisa Regina, 47, is suing Pastore in a $5.5 million civil lawsuit alleging that he hit her during a dispute in April 2005.
Pastore, 62, pleaded guilty in 2005 to attempted assault on Regina. He was sentenced to 70 hours of community service.
Pastore told a state Supreme Court jury that the couple began yelling and cursing at each other when she tried to call a former boyfriend during a drive to New Jersey.
He said Friday that as they argued, he returned to a corner near Regina's apartment and ordered her out of his car, but she refused to go.
India Reliance Entertainment in new Hollywood deals
MUMBAI (Reuters) – India's Reliance Big Entertainment said on Friday it had signed development deals with Julia Roberts' Red Om Films and Brett Ratner's Rat Entertainment, expanding its Hollywood presence.
Reliance Entertainment, which last September signed a deal with DreamWorks SKG for a new $1.2-billion film company, also has separate deals with seven Hollywood production houses run by A-list actors, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Tom Hanks.
Reliance ADAG, which also has interests in telecom, financial services and energy in India, may co-finance projects with the nine Hollywood production houses, according to a statement.
There is "a handpicked slate in excess of 20 projects" between the nine production houses, and most of these will generate content during 2009, said the statement, which did not disclose financial details of the new deals.
"Our foray into Hollywood has proven very productive on the development front, and we are now looking forward to moving into the filmmaking stage over the coming months," Amit Khanna, chairman of Reliance Big Entertainment, said in the statement.
Reliance Entertainment, which last September signed a deal with DreamWorks SKG for a new $1.2-billion film company, also has separate deals with seven Hollywood production houses run by A-list actors, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Tom Hanks.
Reliance ADAG, which also has interests in telecom, financial services and energy in India, may co-finance projects with the nine Hollywood production houses, according to a statement.
There is "a handpicked slate in excess of 20 projects" between the nine production houses, and most of these will generate content during 2009, said the statement, which did not disclose financial details of the new deals.
"Our foray into Hollywood has proven very productive on the development front, and we are now looking forward to moving into the filmmaking stage over the coming months," Amit Khanna, chairman of Reliance Big Entertainment, said in the statement.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Miley Cyrus "goofy face" photo taken out of context
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Disney teen idol Miley Cyrus has said she was making a goofy face when she made slant-eye poses in a personal photograph with friends, and was not making fun of Asians.
Cyrus, 16, was responding on Thursday to demands from an Asian-American group that she apologize for the snapshot which surfaced on the Internet this week, and in a blog posted on her official Web site, she said she's becoming a media target.
The OCA, a national organization that promotes the welfare of Asian Pacific Americans, had accused Cyrus of taunting and mocking Asians when she and a group of friends pulled their eyes sideways in a photo. One of the group was Asian.
"In NO way was I making fun of any ethnicity! I was simply making a goofy face. When did that become newsworthy?," Cyrus said in a blog posting at www.mileyworld.com.
Cyrus, 16, was responding on Thursday to demands from an Asian-American group that she apologize for the snapshot which surfaced on the Internet this week, and in a blog posted on her official Web site, she said she's becoming a media target.
The OCA, a national organization that promotes the welfare of Asian Pacific Americans, had accused Cyrus of taunting and mocking Asians when she and a group of friends pulled their eyes sideways in a photo. One of the group was Asian.
"In NO way was I making fun of any ethnicity! I was simply making a goofy face. When did that become newsworthy?," Cyrus said in a blog posting at www.mileyworld.com.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Hardships present opportunities to directors
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Wandering around the crowded Shrine Auditorium party after "Slumdog Millionaire" had won the top prize at the SAG awards last month, its director Danny Boyle seemed especially giddy.
His elation was understandable. Only months earlier he was trapped in a London editing suite when a call came telling him that Warner Bros. was shuttering "Slumdog's" backer, Warner Independent Pictures -- meaning that the film would almost certainly go straight to video.
"It looked like suicide was now the only option," Boyle jokes. "Seriously, you think you might as well kill yourself."
Today, rescued by Fox Searchlight, buoyant as his movie heads toward the $100 million mark in worldwide box office, Boyle is one of the five nominees for the best director Oscar at the 81st annual Academy Awards on February 22. Like his colleagues Stephen Daldry ("The Reader"), David Fincher ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"), Ron Howard ("Frost/Nixon") and Gus Van Sant ("Milk"), he has endured crises and confrontations that would have compromised the aspirations of many helmers.
His elation was understandable. Only months earlier he was trapped in a London editing suite when a call came telling him that Warner Bros. was shuttering "Slumdog's" backer, Warner Independent Pictures -- meaning that the film would almost certainly go straight to video.
"It looked like suicide was now the only option," Boyle jokes. "Seriously, you think you might as well kill yourself."
Today, rescued by Fox Searchlight, buoyant as his movie heads toward the $100 million mark in worldwide box office, Boyle is one of the five nominees for the best director Oscar at the 81st annual Academy Awards on February 22. Like his colleagues Stephen Daldry ("The Reader"), David Fincher ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"), Ron Howard ("Frost/Nixon") and Gus Van Sant ("Milk"), he has endured crises and confrontations that would have compromised the aspirations of many helmers.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Bruckheimer brings crime show pilot to ABC
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – ABC is getting into the crime drama business with Jerry Bruckheimer. The network has green-lighted an untitled pilot from the high-profile Hollywood producer.
The pilot revolves around a team of amateur detectives working on cases with unidentified victims. If it is picked up as a series, it would be Bruckheimer's first scripted show on ABC.
Two other of television's most prolific producers, McG and Mark Gordon, also have landed pilot orders from ABC.
McG is behind the high school musical drama "Limelight," to be directed by David Semel, and Gordon executive produces the modern Romeo and Juliet tale "Empire State."
The pilot revolves around a team of amateur detectives working on cases with unidentified victims. If it is picked up as a series, it would be Bruckheimer's first scripted show on ABC.
Two other of television's most prolific producers, McG and Mark Gordon, also have landed pilot orders from ABC.
McG is behind the high school musical drama "Limelight," to be directed by David Semel, and Gordon executive produces the modern Romeo and Juliet tale "Empire State."
Monday, February 02, 2009
Indie rock band Beirut ventures south of the border
NEW YORK (Billboard) – To support his folk-tinged rock band's 2007 sophomore album, "The Flying Club Cup," Beirut frontman Zach Condon headed out on a world tour. It didn't go exactly as planned.
"It was so long, and I started to realize I wasn't touring for the music," he said. "I was touring for the career, and I started getting really cynical about my situation."
So the Santa Fe, N.M., native called the trek off, knowing the decision could have stalled Beirut's momentum. The group came out of nowhere with 2006's "Gulag Orkestar," lighting up the blogosphere with praise and selling 79,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. "Club Cup" has done almost as well, having sold 78,000.
"It had been a while since I'd written a song, and I felt like I was starting to lose touch with it," Condon said. That need for songwriting turned into a geographic and personal adventure, and spawned two new EPs. "March of the Zapotec" and "Holland" arrive February 17 from Pompeii/Ba Da Bing Records in a double set sold together.
"It was so long, and I started to realize I wasn't touring for the music," he said. "I was touring for the career, and I started getting really cynical about my situation."
So the Santa Fe, N.M., native called the trek off, knowing the decision could have stalled Beirut's momentum. The group came out of nowhere with 2006's "Gulag Orkestar," lighting up the blogosphere with praise and selling 79,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. "Club Cup" has done almost as well, having sold 78,000.
"It had been a while since I'd written a song, and I felt like I was starting to lose touch with it," Condon said. That need for songwriting turned into a geographic and personal adventure, and spawned two new EPs. "March of the Zapotec" and "Holland" arrive February 17 from Pompeii/Ba Da Bing Records in a double set sold together.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
From bands to Bruce, halftimes show Super growth
TAMPA, Fla. – Way before Prince, Paul McCartney or the Rolling Stones ever stepped onto a Super Bowl stage, there was Shirlee Bertolini. In her donkey costume.
So much has changed since she paraded around the Los Angeles Coliseum field for that very first halftime show.
Truth is, she wouldn't mind seeing things more like they were in 1967.
"We put on a band show. A fantastic band show," she said this week by telephone from Tucson, where she's in her 54th year as the University of Arizona's twirling coach. "You want to go to a concert, go to a concert.
"Now they're going to have Bruce Springsteen. So what? You could get a marching band, and it wouldn't cost you $10 million. I'm sorry, but that's ridiculous."
So much has changed since she paraded around the Los Angeles Coliseum field for that very first halftime show.
Truth is, she wouldn't mind seeing things more like they were in 1967.
"We put on a band show. A fantastic band show," she said this week by telephone from Tucson, where she's in her 54th year as the University of Arizona's twirling coach. "You want to go to a concert, go to a concert.
"Now they're going to have Bruce Springsteen. So what? You could get a marching band, and it wouldn't cost you $10 million. I'm sorry, but that's ridiculous."
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